#and the similarities just keep on increasing with each chapter

[distortedmoondisc]

Do you ever think about the parallels between Rinne and Aira

Not only they have a shared interest in protecting Hiiro and ensuring his well-being/growth as a person, (and it's extra interesting given how Aira sort of dislikes Rinne for how he dealt with Hiiro in general—by leaving him alone at their hometown and disowning him in the summer of the MDM—, so even though they have the same interests and goals regarding Hiiro, they aren't exactly friends nor like each other — though this is mostly from Aira's part, because Rinne does like Aira and even acknowledges him as someone important to Hiiro that he must keep in his life), but Aira kinda is what Rinne used to be, before his dreams of becoming an idol we're crushed by the new rules of ES.

!! Main Story, Episode 171, "Revolution"

I've seen many people talk about how Rinne and Aira would get along because they're both idol otakus, but I believe that's a common misunderstanding of Rinne's character, because Rinne isn't an idol otaku (at least not anymore). He doesn't like the current idol system and the way Ensemble Square is running the industry. That's why he tried to change it by force in the !! Main Story by acting out. This is different from Aira, who loves the idols born from this system, and is a participant in the ES system that is going to hurt the industry in the long run (because ES is mass producing idols like a factory, stripping them from their own individuality and what makes idols especial in the first place — which is why Aira likes idols to begin with! Because they're different from ordinary people!)

!! Main Story, episode 220, "Despair"

Aira is aware that the idol industry isn't perfect, in episode 171 he even acknowledges that the mass production of idols similar to items of consumption made in a factory is wrong and it strips idols from their beauty and value, but he doesn't have the insight and first hand experience with heartbreak as Rinne had, so he doesn't have the motivation to protest or change the way ES is running the industry. They both love idols and dreamed of becoming one, but Rinne isn't an idol otaku, because he can't be a fan of idols mass produced by the current system.

What Rinne does instead, is support underground idols that would otherwise be trampled or forced to disappear by ES because they don't fit their sets of standards (and because ES has monopoly in the idol industry, they can easily do this without much repercussions or public outcry) and gives them his protection. This is explained throughout the course of the story of Night Club.

Nigh Club, Epilogue 2

Aira tries to impersonate an ideal idol persona, as the ones he watched when he was younger. He wants to embody a model idol and inspire others as idols inspired him in the past. Rinne used to be similar, but ES arbitrarily destroyed his solo career making him lose that dream, and that's why he embodies the wild and rebellious persona he portrays on stage, which is a complete opposite to how a traditional idol should act (and this is a constant point of conflict between him and other idols, such as Himeru; Himeru tends to scold Rinne for being so wild and doing whatever he wants because it goes against what is expected of an idol, but in Night Club he comes to understand that this is Rinne's soft way to protest against ES, despite having lost to them in the first part of the !! Main Story).

(Sometimes, I wonder if Rinne is happy being the wild and playful self he is with Crazy:B, or if he would prefer to be on stage as an ideal idol like he used to do years ago....)

However, despite their differences and the dislike/intimidation Aira might feel towards Rinne, he admits he understands his feelings and where he comes from, and that he can't help but to relate to him due to the fact that they both love idols. Aira scolds Rinne in episode 220 "Despair" to make him stop his pity party, but later in episode 224 "Flutter" he comforts and encourages him instead—telling him that he should not give up being an idol, because he recognizes that Rinne loves idols as much as he does, and that he still has a reason to live because he has fans of himself and of Crazy:B waiting for him among the crowd, meaning that he is still loved and accepted by someone, despite all the wreckage he had caused.

(And if I'm allowed to get personal for a moment, I just need to make emphasis in how important Aira is to the development of the Amagi brothers in the last arc of the !! main story, and this scene is a perfect example of that. Aira is the one who encourages Rinne to join the others on stage and sing, and after that it is Hiiro that pushes Rinne to give that step which finally leads them to perform on stage together 🥹)

So as we can see, Rinne and Aira have a lot of similarities, but they act in completely different ways due to their circumstances. They have similar backgrounds as idol lovers but they have different views and feelings about the industry and the profession, (however, they seem to share the same ideals as to what an idol should be, and love the same type of ideal idol inside their hearts). Adding to that their shared most beloved person, Hiiro, and how the two of them want what's best for him but they have a point of contention due to Rinne's bad actions in the !! Main Story, and their relationship becomes x10 more interesting, and I wish we talked about it more!

And we know Happyele hasn't forgotten about them, because Aira appeared in Rinne's recent relationship chart, just below Hiiro.

(also, a little unrelated, bu i think it's funny that despite having a heart to heart at the ending of the main story, their relationship is still "want to tease him" and "he's a little scary" ahdks Aira, who scolded Rinne in front of hundreds of people in the MDM, regressed to feeling intimidated and troubled by him. A couple of friends commented that it was probably because Aira had a burst of courage in the MDM because of the severity of the situation, so he had the determination to call out Rinne, a senior that he particularly feels intimidated by, publicly without second thought. It is canon that after the fact, Aira admitted that looking back on the MDM he felt embarrassed for doing such a bold thing. Idk, it's just something i find very interesting and fun about their dynamic www)

So this leads me to believe that they haven't forgotten about the history these two had in the main story, and all I can do is just wait for them to expand on their relationship and dynamic more eventually in some future event.

[milkoomi]

a guide on becoming an academic weapon. ᥫ᭡

being an academic weapon is one of the top goals for a lot of us. we strive for excellence and hope to achieve top marks in all our classes so that we can continue to reach whatever it is that may be our final goal like getting into a top university, graduating as valedictorian, or getting into the career of our dreams. this guide will be about all the habits of an academic weapon and what tools & methods you can incorporate into your study/school routine!

let’s begin …

୨ৎ — lecture preperation

pre-reading chapters/lecture powerpoints

skim through chapters, make note of important headings, highlight key terms! if you can, look through any powerpoints that will be used for lecture notes as well!

jot down quick notes like vocab terms, key pieces of information, and/or any questions on topics you want to understand further!

read chapter summaries & highlight important headings

set up your notes

if you like to use different note-taking methods, try setting up your pages beforehand! this will take up less time while in class and you’ll come in already prepared to take any notes!

i have a post on note-taking here on my blog that you can refer to for a few different note-taking methods!

begin homework assignments

my professor will publish homework assignments on sunday mornings for each week that we’re learning new material, so if your teacher does something similar or you’re taking an all-online course, start by working ahead on those homework assignments!

getting a head start can …

help with having a better understanding of the material by the time of your lecture

help you apply the knowledge you learned from the assignments into your lecture

help you come up with questions for better comprehension of the topics

help you manage your time better

reduce your work load later on

start creating flashcards

if you’re required to know key terms/vocab, start creating flashcards ahead of time! this will help you get familiar with the vocabulary that’s related to the material and will jumpstart that increase in understanding of what’s to come in your lecture or any required readings!

୨ৎ — smart studying

we’re always told to “work smarter, not harder” and i believe that doing so can help you achieve success more quickly and efficiently! while it’s great to dedicate a lot of time to your studies, it’s not always optimal. spending hours upon hours working with no breaks in between and forgetting to take care of yourself can lead to burn out, so it’s important to find ways to study that not only help you study more efficiently but also work with your learning type!

trial periods

there are a plethora of study methods out there that you can try out to see which ones work the best for you!

posts with study methods ( + how-to’s ) …

how to study effectively - @milkoomi

non-basic study techniques - @glowettee [ this post is PHENOMENAL! mindy includes so many unique study methods— some that she created herself! — that give an entirely new way to study & learn material! 100/10 recommend reading through this! ]

take some time each week to try out a new study method while still incorporating techniques you’re used to! pick one study method for the week & test it out at the start of your study time slot.

trying out new methods/techniques also help with keeping your study routine fresh and it creates a bigger study arsenal for yourself! having multiple ways of studying just means having a variety of ways to learn the material! every method has its benefits, some will help with memorization while others can help with better comprehension!

pick your big 3

amongst all the different study methods out there, you should pick your top 3 techniques that help you the most! they’ll be your ultimate go-to study methods!

factors to think about for your big 3 …

how much time does the method/technique take?

what is your success rate with the method/technique?

how easy was it for you to incorporate the method/technique into your study routine?

your big 3 study methods should help with maximizing your productivity time, help you achieve your desired grades, & be within your limits while studying, meaning it shouldn’t make you feel like you’re stretching yourself thin because, again, we need to study smarter, not harder!

my personal big 3:

Feynman Technique - teaching others

active recall - practice questions & flashcards

knowledge application - making real life connections

textbook tests

i feel like a lot of us view textbooks as these giant, daunting bricks we’re forced to lug around, but they’re required material for a reason! they’re more than just a giant book of “boring” chapters!

a lot of textbooks have mini assessments at the end of every chapter, so take some time to do them! they’re just practice tests and they’ll be extremely useful for active recall (plus, you don’t have to worry about creating your own practice questions!)

୨ৎ — change your mindset

being an academic weapon means having the mindset of an academic weapon. the way you think and feel about your schooling plays a huge role in this!

“i have to” to “i get to”

treating your academics and studies as if they’re chores will make you lose your motivation and passion for learning. getting to have an education is a privilege and i feel like a lot of us forget that. be thankful that you get to pursue an academic career and get the chance to further your education! instead of “i have to study” say, “i get to study”!

getting an education is a beautiful opportunity in life, so practice gratitude when it comes to learning!

self care

i will always advocate for self care because you can’t do your best when you aren’t at your best. being an academic weapon doesn’t mean throwing your entire life away or setting your health to the side to solely focus on your studies. going to the extremes for your academics shouldn’t be normalized.

you don’t need to pull all-nighters every other day to study, you don’t need to work/study for 14 hours, you don’t need to harshly motivate yourself to get back to studying— you need to treat yourself kindly and shoe yourself gentle care.

get enough sleep

shower, do skincare, brush your teeth

keep yourself hydrated & well-fed

get your body moving

make time for your hobbies & things that make you happy

remember to take breaks when your mind & body needs them

don’t sacrifice your well-being to get ahead on your road to success. you’ll only bring yourself farther behind if you neglect your health.

final notes —

becoming an academic weapon is 60% mindset, 40% work ethic. you have to motivate yourself to give your best work, but! you have to take care of your mind and body before you even think about giving your best work. be kind to yourself, affirm yourself that you can do this! you are more than capable of achieving academic success!

the work you put in as an academic weapon has to be work you’re proud of. be sure that you’re using your time wisely, that you free yourself from distractions while studying, that you give yourself enough time to get work done (and take breaks & do something for yourself!), and that you always give it your all when you’re completing assignments, writing notes, or studying.

i know that you’ll be able to truly be an academic weapon! you have what it takes! you just have to remind yourself of your own potential.

with lots of love, faustina 🌷

[1009files]

Liebestraum No. 3

synopsis Eighteen year old Y/n, the daughter of two accomplished musicians, spends her summers surrounded by aspiring artists in her father’s prestigious program. Among them is Heeseung, a quiet, talented pianist who captivates Y/n with his reserved nature and mysterious charm. Amid the music, family expectations, and unspoken feelings, Y/n must navigate her growing affection for Heeseung and decide what she truly wants for her future—and her heart.

word count 2k+

contains fluff, summer love, rivals to lovers, teenagers in love, eventual smut (in the next chapters), comfort, heeseung x reader, slow burn

author’s note hi guys! this is my first post and first time writing something like this~ english is not my main language so there might be errors! i wish to make this a series with an eventual time skip to make things more interesting <3 i hope you like it^^

chapter 1

Your fingers softly brushed through the black and white tiles, like a ballerina spinning rapidly on her pointy shoes. They danced, at times increasing their speed, hungrier and expectant for the next one, until the running stopped.

Your right hand played a single-note melody, while the left one sustained a long, flowing chord. Your fingers were delicate now, more careful as if you were too scared to touch the piano, or it might break into million pieces.

“Incredible! Truly stunning, my dear!”

You didn’t notice your mother entering the studio with a satisfied look on her face, making you suddenly aware of your surroundings, while turning to look at her.

“Oh my, mom! I told you not to startle me when I practice!”

Your parents loved to brag about you with the rest of your family and friends. You knew you were good, but you were a perfectionist and always aimed for more.

“What can I say, you are indeed your father’s child…besides, dinner is ready and tomorrow is an important day~” she said with a sweet tone, still looking more serious, reminding you of your duties.

You know what was next, you wouldn’t have the room just for yourself. The blinds would finally be shut open, welcoming the light from the sun that would soon illuminate the big wooden piano in the center of the room. The pillows of the sofa and most books from the library would be scattered around and the little glass table in front of it would have pastries and beverages ready for everyone, while your father would begin to explain the summer program to his students.

You were used to this, it wasn’t really a big deal to you.

For almost three years your father had been welcoming his most privileged pupils to hold private lessons for them, preparing them to enter the prestigious conservatory in your city, which your eighteen year old self was expectant to attend.

Most students returned each summer, some aimed to enter the academy but still came for extra practice. This is actually how you met your current best friend, Jungwon.

His cheerful personality made it easy for you to get along with him. He was a bit of a prankster and sooner or later, you two found yourselves running around the tight colored alleys of the countryside, under the hot sun of the summer.

“Y/n wait!”

“Come on, Jungwon! Are you really scared of a little water??” You said, wetting him with a hose you found on a nearby garden.

“What are you saying?? I’m completely soaked! Your mom will kill us if we enter the house like this!”

Your eyes suddenly widened.

Oh my god. The music sheets.

Screw the water, you were supposed to keep them completely safe and now they were most likely wet and-

Jungwon started laughing at your shocked expression. Making his way to his backpack, he quickly took the precious dry and brand-new looking sheets out, holding them in his hand.

“You looking for these?” He smirked with an entertained look in his face.

“Give me those! Oh my God, Jungwon I almost died!”

“You’re such a drama queen!” He laughed, running away from you.

You two were actually pretty similar. Even though he was younger, there was a sparkle of responsibility in his behavior that often made you come to your senses. You could always count on him, that’s why most of the time you confessed your cheesy teenage stories and dreams to each other, whether it was an awkward situation or a romantic interest, like the big crush you had on Lee Heeseung.

Well, you still didn’t know yet.

Your first impression of Heeseung was that he was pretty shy. You were introverted yourself, but he wasn’t much of a talker—for some reason, that made you curious and at times, you would act bratty around him. You knew this wasn’t the best way to approach him, but you felt like that was the only way to get close to him…as if that made any sense.

Like you, he was considered pretty talented: the boy had a perfect pitch and he could play both the piano and the guitar. Despite his age, he was a bit taller than you and you couldn’t help but notice his big brown eyes scanning the studio, before entering each time.

Did he see me staring?—you’d think, quickly gazing away from him when his eyes met yours.

He was magnetic and you couldn’t resist, but you always wondered where your sudden curiosity for him came from.

What’s your deepest meaning for music, Lee Heeseung?

Can I share my secrets with you?

Why don’t you talk to me?

It wasn’t easy for him to break his shell either.

One night, you were all seated around the big table outside the house, a plastic cloth on it and half a watermelon cut into portions for everyone to eat. The air was humid and salty, as if the sea wasn’t so far from the porch. After a nice dinner, your parents left soon to sleep, so you were chatting under the starry night.

“I didn’t think you’d come back this year as well, Hoon. ” Jungwon asked, shuffling some cards between his fingers.

Sunghoon stretched on the chair with his arms behind his head. “Yeah well, my parents think my sister still needs some practice before she’ll get used to the conservatory,” he said, turning to look at you. “So i thought I’d come to say hi again...”

You instinctively blushed and looked down at your hands. There was always some sort of connection between you two. He was the child of two talented musicians, so him and his sister would often spend their summer at the studio.

“My parents always have a plan for everything…” he admitted, for a moment lost in his thoughts. You knew what he meant.

“Sounds like you’ve got your whole life mapped out…does it ever get old?” Jungwon sighed with a knowing look.

Despite your talent, sometimes you wondered if your passion really did come from a deep interest or rather you were supposed to like it, because that is how things went for you.

On the other side of the table, Heeseung was listening to the conversation while taking a bite out of his gelato. With him hanging around this time, those thoughts weren’t so rare. You turned your head to look at him. How was he always so calm about everything? Could he feel any emotion at all?

“Oh, Heeseung!“ Jungwon’s voice interrupted your thoughts. “I saw your recital last year!”

Liebestraum No. 3.

You remember Jungwon telling you about a performance that made him feel shivers all over his body. He was always the empathetic type, but he’s never had this kind of reaction for anything else before. He could almost feel everything around him transforming, Heeseeung’s figure in the middle of a moonlit garden. White lilies shimmering under the sky, the chilly air making them move at a slow pace.

“Seriously, how do you play like this without getting nervous?”

Not knowing how to take the compliment, Heeseung shifted uncomfortably in his chair, but smiled softly with a light flush on his cheeks.

So he wasn’t a robot?

You started to get annoyed at the idea that you never got to see his most vulnerable side. Sure, you could hear him playing in the studio sometimes, but it wasn’t the same thing.

A dry chuckle escaped your mouth.

“You make it sound so easy…” You murmur.

You didn’t want to be rude and knew that your comment was out of place. Immediately you shut your mouth.

“I-“ Your eyes widening.

Everybody’s attention was on you now, which you hated. Heeseung’s expression was once again unreadable.

“I’m going to bed.” You got up out of embarrassment and headed quickly to your room. Jungwon rushing behind you, but you ran faster up the stairs, until his voice calling you was long gone.

The sound of the waves filled up Heeseung’s ears. His pants were rolled up so the water on the shore wouldn’t wet them. Some clouds starting to prepare the sky for the rain. He liked the quiet, but often blamed himself for not stepping up at the right time. It wasn’t just his personality, Heeseung could be bold if he wanted to, he just preferred to observe from time to time.

Suddenly he heard your voice from afar. “Aren’t you coming to practice today? My dad has been looking for you everywhere…”

“I thought you didn’t want to see me?”

“Really? You barely ever spoke to me and that’s the first thing that comes to your mind?”

He took a step closer to you. His feet shifting the hot sand.

Standing in front of him you realized how tall he actually was. Some of his hair strands moved with the light wind and covered bits of his face. You felt your breath quicken as you tried to avoid his gaze.

He held out his hand to you.

“What?”

“Let’s try this again. Give me your hand please.” You freeze. “Uhm..”

“Come on…” He insisted. His eyebrows raising.

You reluctantly reached out, looking at him with squinted eyes, unsure of his intentions. He gently took your hand and kissed the back of it, leaning forward slightly.

You quickly got away from his hold.

“…Wh- What do you think you’re doing??”

His confidence suddenly gone as you noticed his ears getting red.

“I’m sorry. I-…I don’t know how to talk to you.” he admitted, fidgeting with the hem of his shirt.

“You look…so dumb right now. ” you chuckled at his embarrassment, almost laughing.

“I know, I just didn’t want to make you uncomfortable last night.” His eyes softening and looking more sincere.

You didn’t think he did. It was more like you acted out of jealousy and you only blamed yourself for that.

You cleared your throat, not wanting to remember what happened. “Uhm…do you want to get away from here? I’m sure my dad wouldn’t mind for today.” You lied, but Heeseung seemed chattier than usual so it was worth it. He was surprised at your statement but still nodded slowly. A big smile printed on his face.

It was almost evening and the sun was setting already. Everybody was getting ready for dinner, so you could feel the lights from inside the houses illuminating the streets of the village.

After walking for a while you reached a swing on a nearby park, Heeseung following you with an amused look on his face.

He was now standing in front of you. “What are you, ten?” a mocking tone in his voice.

You rolled your eyes and shot him a look. “You’re so boring…” You stuck out your tongue at him, a grin pulling at your lips. “Come on, push me.”

Heeseung chuckled, taking his hands out of his pockets.

“You’re older than me and yet, here you are, swinging your legs like a little kid…”

Besides his provocative comment, he stood behind you, pushing you from your back. He watched as the chilly wind brushed your hair away from your face, softly tickling his hands each time he touched you. He was as delicate as possible and found himself staring at the way your sundress perfectly hugged your lower waist. The ends of it moving back and forth with the swing and, as you got closer, he could almost taste the sweet strawberry scent of the lollipop you held in your hand.

Heeseung was intoxicated by you, and of course he blamed it all on his feverish teenage hormones. Things were still pretty awkward between you two, but right at that moment he felt bolder than usual. He pushed you again — once, then twice, and then a third time. You began to feel the swing slowing down, coming to a stop with a quiet creak. You glanced back at him, a confused frown tugging at your brows, only to freeze as his hand moved toward you.

Heeseung’s touch was careful at first, but it sent a jolt through you when his finger brushed down your exposed spine. You inhaled sharply, suddenly aware of the way your chest was rising and falling. He moved slowly, deliberately, his fingers tracing the line of your back with a tenderness you hadn’t expected. The cool rain, which had started to drizzle, landed softly on your skin, but it was nothing compared to the heat that suddenly bloomed in your chest.

The touch lingered a little too long, his finger pressing gently into the curve of your lower back, making it hard to breathe. Everything around you seemed to blur, the sound of the rain mingling with the racing of your heartbeat. You couldn’t tell whether it was the rain or his touch that had made your skin shiver.

Then, just as quickly as it had started, he withdrew his hand, the sudden absence of his touch making you stand up, as though snapping yourself from a trance.

Turning around you noticed your drenched clothes. Your eyes widened as both of you realized how your parents would have eventually reacted if they saw you entering the house like this.

“We should head back.” You said.

Heeseung nodded at you with a soft smile, amused by your alerted reaction. Feeling the adrenaline rushing through his body, he started running and you followed him. You both were breathless, maybe because of your race, or maybe because of what had happened minutes before.

Reaching your house and not wanting to get caught, you exchanged a look with Jungwon who saw you from the window of the kitchen. His eyes widening. “What the…Get inside quickly!” He opened the porch door and let you in.

“Y/n you’re lucky nobody’s here! Where were you all day?? Go wash up before your mom comes back!”

You quickly ran upstairs, the sound of your wet footsteps echoing through the hallway, your heart still racing from the close call. You had barely made it inside before your mother could catch you drenched, and a wave of relief washed over you. You shut the bathroom door behind you, leaning against it for a moment to catch your breath. Heeseung’s touch, his hesitant smile, the way he looked at you like you were the only thing that mattered in that moment.

It had been too much, too fast, but you couldn’t deny the rush it left behind. You splashed your face with cold water, hoping to clear your head. You didn’t understand him yet, not fully. But somehow, you had a feeling you were about to.

to be continued…

[prinrue]

The Mechanics of Automail

Table of Contents

UPPER LIMB AUTOMAIL

PREPARING FOR AUTOMAIL

Just like with lower limb automail, before the patient can even begin training, their port needs protection—but that protection looks a little different for upper limbs. In this deep-dive, we will be focusing specifically on a shoulder-located port, for its relevance to Fullmetal Alchemist.

Once the outfittee has healed from surgery, the permanent structure of the port will be fitted with a very similar cover to the previously described leg cover. As it is, all this piece does is protect the patient’s nerve outlets—there is no functionality for their future automail, and for good reason. Due to the much more intricate nature of arm automail, there is substantially more wiring required to power the prosthesis—wiring which would only be an inconvenience when there is no prosthesis attached. So, until the patient is ready to begin working with their arm, a simple cover is all that is required to protect their port.

(figure 1: arm port cover 1)

(STOP HERE FOR SIMPLE THINGS CHAPTER 22 SPOILERS)

Once the patient is ready to begin training with their arm, the port cover will receive a two-fold upgrade: fixing the existing piece with the necessary wiring and adding the removable guard layer on top of that. 

To attach the wiring, each wire is fitted to designated outlets in both the cover and the patient’s body, then fed through small slots on either side of the central plug.

(figure 2: arm port wiring)

With the wiring in place, the shoulder guard can now be attached. This steel piece is measured and fitted to the individual receiving it (utilizing the measurements taken during preparation for surgery) and has multiple functions toward the complete automail. It protects the patient’s body from their future arm (which, due to its weight and sharp components, could injure the patient otherwise), and also acts as a slight counterweight to the prosthesis. In addition, if the outfittee needs their arm removed for any reason, the excess wiring described prior can be tucked under the guard, keeping it out of the way without having to unplug it. 

(figure 3: shoulder guard attachment)

(I decided to keep the attachment of this piece minimal because if it were actually bolted into the ribs or shoulder blade, it would greatly reduce the patient’s ability to move. As I explained in the surgery section, there are bolts in the ribs and shoulder bones, but only for the permanent structure—which this piece is [canonically, as referenced in Vol. 3] not a part of. By limiting the places this piece is attached, it should be able to move relatively fluidly with the person, but still be stable enough to do its job.)

STAGES OF AUTOMAIL

And now that the patient’s port set-up is complete, they can finally begin the first training stage of arm automail.

Just as with lower limb automail, the first stage is for exercise purposes only—and it appears almost exactly the same. And, just as the lower limb version, stage one arm automail is not connected to the nervous system, and therefore causes no pain during docking. The first attachment weighs about 5lbs, and is used during exercise for five days until the patient is deemed ready to receive an actual prosthesis (and then again, in increasing weights, between each following stage of automail).

(figure 4: arm automail stage one)

What benefit, you may ask, does attaching a weight to the patient’s shoulder provide, when there is no residual limb to exercise? Plenty of benefits! You see, in order for a person to move their arm, there are a multitude of muscles involved—many of which are not even located in the arm itself. Those muscles in the shoulder, back, and chest do just as much work to raise the limb as the muscles in the arm, and therefore, they are just as important to train in preparation for automail.

And now that that preparation is complete, the outfittee can finally receive their first prosthetic arm.

(POST IS STILL BEING UPDATED AS STORY PROGRESS CONTINUES!)

[macgyvermedical]

In regards to mental health and routines post, do you have any suggestions on how to start increasing those habits. This last year, I've been having similar issues and I know I need to work on doing my hygiene routine more, but am struggling to start. Do you have any advice? Please and thank you!

Maybe.

So I'll start by saying that I am not working for money due to mental health problems at this time. This makes it so my spoon allotment is skewed in my favor when it comes to personal care. If I were working, my personal care progress would be a lot slower going.

Also, my experience with personal care problems are a result of living with schizoaffective disorder. Some of the things I do might resonate, some might not. Your Mileage May Vary, and all that. That's why I'm saying "I do a thing" instead of "you should do a thing" with the language in this post.

Next, I honestly don't love the term "habit" because it implies that eventually after doing something for a long time it becomes easy. Might be a thing. Personally I've never experienced it. I have the same resistance to showering I had 4 years ago when I stopped doing it more than about once a week. But now I just have the spoons to trick myself into doing it every other day.

So on to some things I do that might help:

I fill up my day as much as possible. I try for lower spoons activities that have some kind of imposed structure. This gives the personal care a specific place in my day, and gives me a reason to do the personal care if the activity is around other people. Some ideas:

Clubhouse International. Many cities in the US and Europe (as well as some other places) have an in-person chapter of Clubhouse. Clubhouse is a free work-ordered day program, which means it provides a low-stress, workplace-like environment to go to every day.

Volunteering

Free online courses such as those offered by Harvard. These can be up to a semester long and are paced from 2-20 hours of work a week.

I think about things in terms of problem solving. I don't plan to take a shower every day. But I do plan to get up and ask myself if my hair is uncomfortably greasy (I can find an uncomfortable problem like this for just about every personal care action). If I decide yes (which happens every other day about), I then get to problem solve.

Problem solving here is an exciting alternative to just planning to shower every day whether I need to or not. I get to come up with a solution (which might be a shower, or it might be a baseball cap, or it might be a quick wash in the sink (I have short hair)).

Then, and here is the key part, no planning ahead. I have to do the solution right then before I can think about it too much. Or I have to wait until I forget it and then remember it again, which is not as reliable.

I figure out when I naturally want to do a thing. This has been particularly helpful in working out. Turns out, working out in the morning is not for me. I'd rather not get out of bed at all than get up and work out.

But after dinner? When I have all that nice energy from all the glucose available to my muscle cells? I feel a lot better about working out. Plus, I usually don't have as much to do at that time.

This just makes it easier to say "yes" to a workout. I still have to sneak up on myself by planting workout supplies (shorts, a yoga mat, and a gallon milk jug filled with water I use as a weight) and knowing what workout I'm going to do ahead of time (it's the same one every day until I get bored or it gets too easy).

I track my "streaks". I have a calendar with a key that has different symbols for each personal care task. I have brushed my teeth at least once per day for the last 58 days. I have averaged showering every other day in that time. The last three weeks? I've averaged 5 workouts a week.

The more I have put in, the less I want to screw things up. Sometimes I get out of bed after laying down at night to brush my teeth just to keep the streak going, but it's better than not brushing at all.

I compromise. I used to think if I wasn't doing a thing the best way possible, I shouldn't do it at all. But here's the secret: something is genuinely better than nothing. I often have to compromise with my brain "I'll only do half the workout" or "I'll wash my hair instead of showering". And you know what? At the end of the day I got more personal care done than if I didn't compromise.

The ability to do things also just naturally waxes and wanes. Sometimes compromising keeps things going through the tougher times. Keeping track of things like when I'm compromising a lot helps me help make decisions about my care.

I hope this was helpful!

[kai34902]

Addiction to Tranquility

Blurb: When all eyes are on you, you are forced to preform. till your legs bleed, your heart torn apart, and your mind goes numb you must not stop. Until a boy who has no interest in anything but science and space becomes a safe haven for you.

Or alternatively

When two people realize their feelings too late, and now must rebuild civilization while also try to get rid of their feelings for the other. Just one problem: they're addicted to each other

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔《✽✽✽⋆⁎⋆☽♡☾⋆⁎⋆✽✽✽》°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔《✽✽✽⋆⁎⋆☽♡☾⋆⁎⋆✽✽✽》°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔

Parings: Senku x reader

Can be found on

Ao3

Quotev

Chapter 3: promises

Summery: Taiju wakes up, and promises are remembered

<Previous ☽♡☾ Next>

Word count: 2206

Warning: not proofread

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔《✽✽✽⋆⁎⋆☽♡☾⋆⁎⋆✽✽✽》°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔

It's been about five months, or for Senku’s case six, since we broke out of our stone prisons. It took even less for me to realize why housewives in the 1950s and 60s used to take drugs to alleviate the pain of domestic chores. Though I guess I can't fully count myself as a ‘housewife’ since I would also hunt and provide our meals. Then I would also help Senku with his experiments on stone birds or other stone fragments that I tried not to think about where they came from.

I didn’t mind though. I was given my own time to do my own things once I finished with my daily chores or tasks Senku asked me to do. I would usually spend it preparing for Zuri’s and Taiju’s arrival. Or I'd spend it gathering for things we may need and explore our surroundings. 

When I found the beach nearby it soon became a second safe haven for me. The clashing waves provided a comfortable hymn and the reflecting light created an abstract masterpiece. In addition I would find pretty pearlescent shells washed up. I would craft them into necklaces, ones that Zuri would be proud of me.

“Having fun, doll?” Senku came up and surprised me

“Yeah…” I tried to get up from the rock I was sitting on before Senku stopped me.

“You don't need to get up” he spoke as he sat right beside me

We were like that for a while in a comfortable silence. The waves once again crashed against each other, but instead of reminding me of a masterpiece painting created by Leonardo Da Vinci himself, it instead reminded me of the night I declared myself his crazy doll. The very thought of the moment made my face flush red as the embarrassment took over. 

I had made many similar ones in the past but they were all for my friend. Not for the guy I liked. I hugged my legs tighter than the night I first became petrified. Unable to see, I failed to notice a pair of eyes looking at me.

Before it got too dark we decided to head back, hand in hand. When we saw the familiar silhouette of the house, we split up to do our nightly routine. Him making a fire and me preparing dinner. Small conversations about our day, what we did, and what we needed to do the next happened right about this time.

“We need some more firewood” Senku started

“I can collect some tomorrow”

“I’ll come with you” I looked up at him confused since this is uncommon of him to help with something like this.

“Are you sure? I really don't mind collecting it by myself”

“Im ten billion percent sure, besides we need more for the winter”

That's when I remembered that we’re in october. Soon winter will start and it’ll be difficult to gather supplies we would normally need. I gave him a nod in agreement. Then we went to bed. With the colder nights Senku had offered to cuddle close to keep warm. I pray to whatever god exists that Senku doesn't notice the increased speed of my heart. Or how long I stared at the stone scars on his face. I really wanted to kiss them..

.

.

.

It was toastie that night

.

.

.

The next morning Senku and I went out early to get ahead. Since neither of us has the stamina to drag the huge logs back to the house, we decided to climb up the trees to collect the branches. We cut tree branches for I don’t know how long till the sound of heavy breathing made me turn in the direction of where it came from.

“Well look whos finally awake, good morning you big oaf” Senku spoke down to a familiar brown haired man 

“Sweet pea your-” I yelled but got interrupted by Taiju jumping to give Senku a hug. “Senku! (y/n)! you're alive too!” He screamed

Senku yelled while pushing Taiju away,“Don't you dare hug me while you're buck naked! Hands off I'm not joking!” 

I covered my eyes as I didn’t want to see Taiju’s nether region. I also had to cover my mouth as I didn’t want to be heard laughing.

“Doll help me!” I heard Senku yell at me

“Sorry I can't!” I couldn’t stop myself from laughing like a hyena, “If I do I’ll see Taiju’s crotch!”

“What the hell?!” It took a few minutes before the two boys calmed down. Well mostly Taiju who was relieved that we were still alive like he was. Senku and I started catching him up on what happened.

“Its october 5th in the year 5738 you really slept in for a hell of a long time” a chuckle escaped from his lips

“This genius and I have been diligently working our tails off for the last six months”

“Wait so it's been like…”

“It has been thirty-seven hundred years” Taiju gasped, “How do you know what day it is Senku?! You got some kind of calendar or what”

“This brainiac here has counted the seconds ever since we got petrified.” Remembering the feeling of when he first told me. I gave senku a deadpan face. 

“It was obviously the logical thing to do” He smirked back at me. I tried not to let the heat in my face show.

“Come on we should head back and” I paused, Looking Taiju up and down, “and give you some proper clothes”

I led the way while the two boys were talking about how and why senku counted the seconds. The more they talked the more I felt disappointed in myself for watching movies and reading books the entire time. 

“(y/n) what about you?” Taiju stirred the conversation to me. “What did you do while petrified?”

“Our doll here used her eidetic memory to replay movies and shows she watched and to reread books” he teased

“Sh-shut up! I know I didn’t use my time wisely ok” I faked cry

“It's fine (y/n)! I also didn't count the seconds of how long we were petrified” Taiju tried to cheer me up by patting my back

“Yeah but I bet you spent it thinking about Zuri” I flashed him a smirk

“Well yeah obviously” He beamed

…

“That guy is whipped” I whisper to senku

“Is it that much of a surprise?” senku gave him a half side eye

“Wait, now I'm dying to know what Zuri said! What did she say! Yes or YES?!” I corned Taiju

“What a way to rig options doll” Senku joked but I didn’t reply to it

“Well uhhhh I never did get her answer because we got petrified” he sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck

“WHAT” I collapsed onto the ground sobbing. “Man I really want to be her maid of honor in your guyses wedding” 

“Hey, you can still be her maid of honor! When we revive her I'll find the perfect opportunity to confess!” Taiju then turned to face Senku

“SENKU!!! WILL YOU BE MY BEST MAN IN MINE AND YUZURIHA’S WEDDING”

“What the hell you big oaf! You haven't gotten her answer to even date her yet” he looked mildly annoyed at Taiju’s proclamation.

“Attitudes like that give the confession bad luck!” I got up to senku’s face, “we gotta believe in them!” My face quickly got even heated when I realized how close my face was to his. In order to protect the shred of dignity I had left. I did the only thing I could: make a diversion

“Guys, it's just pass these trees!” I ran past Senku as quickly as possible. When I noticed that neither Taiju nor Senku was following, I turned back to ask why they weren't following me. But when I turned it looked like they were having their own conversion, with Senku’s hand covering his face.

“Guys are you coming!” getting their attention

“We’re coming” Taiju replied, running up with Senku following closely behind.

.

.

.

When we arrived I saw Taiju’s jaw literally hit the ground. It was funny seeing his expression.

“WOAH YOU GUYS BUILT THIS”

“Correction I built it”

“THAT'S STILL AMAZING”

Senku and I continued moving forward despite Taiju still awing at the tree house. “until now we’ve been lacking great manpower. In fact doll here has been breaking her back just to support us but it's all the bare minimum”

I was slightly offended by that comment. Actually no scratch that VERY offended. “You sound like my hard work is nothing!” I yelled at him, but he didn’t seem all that bothered. 

“Well if we’re gonna rebuild civilization we’re gonna need more than the basic necessities that you scrounge up. We need a muscle-y meathead to do the grunt work like Taiju over here.” He turned to face Taiju from the top of the ladder.

 “I was ten billion percent sure you were still alive just like (y/n) and I as you were so hell bent on confessing your love. For a guy as stubborn as you even a few thousands years won't stop from making that happen and I was right you aren’t that weak” he smirked

”yeah. of course I'm not!” Taiju’s tone changed. “All right Senku, (y/n) if you two can handle all the brainy stuff you can leave all the heavy lifting to me, No problem!” He declared. It reminded me of another declaration that happened here not too long ago. Just thinking about it made me smile.

”here you should wear this” I handed him some clothes I made a few months back

“Thanks so much!” He ran up the ladder and into the house. The slightly awkward silence that followed made my mouth move. “It’ll be nice to have another person around”

“Am I not enough for you doll that you need someone else to keep you company?” Senku tried to joke

“Well yeah most of the time we spend together is during meal time or when we’re experimenting and at this point the experiments are just another form of work. Nothing like what we did back in the world was like this, remember when we used to play video games together?” I laughed

“Yeah if I remember 129 to 131 on Mario Kart”

“Actually it's 130 to 131” I poked his face. “Remember the night before the petrification happened? I came over and we played a game before switching to COD”

“Of course now I remember. you begged me to play because you wanted to master the game but also because you didn’t want to play by yourself” He poked me right back. “You really need to stop your habit of clinging onto people or hiding behind them”

“If that's your way of getting rid of me you're gonna need something better than that” I flashed him a smile “besides I promised you I would be by your side forever and ever”

“Oh? When” He smirked. He totally knew what I was talking about. Which annoyed me even further since that smirk of his brought me back to the old times.

“Are you really gonna make me say it”

“Ohh I dont know~ I didn’t know you even said anything about being by my side”

I sighed. He should've known this, to the date even. “January 1st, 2014, we were watching the fireworks under a tree.” Around that time was when Bakuya was chosen to be an astronaut and was sent to go into astronaut training in America. I remember it like it was yesterday, albeit that was mostly due to my eidetic memory. 

I remember the colorful fireworks that exploded as well as the sounds they made. But what I remember most was Senku’s soft smile. One that was not cocky, arrogant, or lofty. He looked completely different from the senku I know I guess thats when I made the promise: “Senku I promise to be by yourself forever and ever, to the point that we’re-”

“Conjoined” He finished

“So you do remember” I glared at him. But he just gave me a smile as a response. For the rest of the day all I could think about was that smile.

After Taiju got changed, he and  Senku quickly went to go chop some wood for dinner before the sun sets. While they did that I went hunting for some meat. 

It was earlier into the night that Taiju chopped the wood that he and Senku got into logs. Senku started the fire and I started preparing dinner. I felt a weird sense of deja vu but I ignored it or else I would chop my hand off from not paying attention.

The air around us was tense. Mostly due to Senku who swore that he’ll find out what happened to us, and how he’ll bring back civilization from the ground up. He even said he’ll surpass it. If it were some rando I wouldn't believe them, but this is Senku that we’re talking about. I believe in him 10 billion percent.

Dear moon,

What if I want to be closer to Senku? More than conjoined or binded. He probably won't let me, he isn’t that type of guy.

Next>

[1000sunnygo]

The fun thing about long running series is that you can trace a character's narrative evolution in real time.

The Law we saw pre-timeskip clearly aimed for One Piece.

Unless it was an elaborate lie to his crewmates (which I guess is the in-series explanation at the moment), it's safe to assume that his D lineage and self assigned suicidal mission didn't exist as a concept back then.

While drawing, I assumed Kidd would become important, but I didn't think LAW would move forward like that. So it's youu?? 😱

Weekly serialization, it's a Wonderland.

The reason weekly serialization is being called a Wonderland is because the authors and editors have to constantly modify a story to create heavy cliffhangers for each chapter to hold the reader's attention. And this leads to the entire story taking unexpected turns.

Based on that, I have a theory: Law's introduction in Punk Hazard wasn't planned at all.

It may sound far fetched for how integral Law is to Punk Hazard's plot. But it's not an uncommon event, and not just in One piece. Editors often suggest heavy changes to accommodate strong cliffhangers and quick surprises. Eleven supernova were created because early Shabondy lacked in oomph, and I think Law possibly appeared in Punk Hazard for the same reason.

Even without Law, the straw hats would've visited Dressrosa to save Kanjurou, Zou to reunite with Raizo, and Wano to escort their new friends back home. Law just happened to have something going on in all of these places.

I think both Law and Kidd's post timeskip debut was planned to be in Wano arc. Law's competitive dynamic with Kidd and Luffy in Wano is more consistent with Shabondy than anything that came before.

Doflamingo was initially one of Kaido's strongest allies to be defeated within Wano country (confirmed in volume 98 SBS). It means Dressrosa was entirely different from what we got, while Wano had a pretty well-developed concept.

Considering the similarities in their Jolly Roger, Oda may have planned Law to be Doflamingo's ex-subordinate with a complicated history ever since he created him, keeping his and Doflamingo's conflict reserved for Wano. But Law was popular, resourceful and the story needed a boost after a monotonous Fishman Island arc. Thus, Law got his early screentime that snowballed into a dramatic Dressrosa arc.

Tldr, I think this is how it happened: During the early phase of their creation, Oda decides that Kidd and Law would return and fight alongside Luffy in Wano, Kidd significantly more important than Law -> Punk hazard is written to introduce the samurais -> The story becomes somewhat 'bland' and editor pesters Oda to bring Law early -> Law appears and proposes an alliance, so the plot is now directly chained to Wano -> Oda realizes ope ope makes a good device to explain Imu's immortality -> Oda makes Law a D as he's now connected to endgame plot -> Law's relevance dramatically increases beyond Dressrosa and possibly even Wano.

Even if the theory above is wrong, it's a fact that Law was not a part of the bigger picture but became unexpectedly relevant. To work with him long term, Oda had to refine and change the smaller details of his personality slowly as the story progressed; such as his honesty and the tendency to throw his life away.

When Law roped straw hats into his revenge scheme, he didn't actually plan to confront Kaido. But deep down he wanted them to leave Dressrosa safe and unharmed. Law in the final correction looks surprised by Sanji's observation, while in the draft, he appears more certain about his hidden motives. Maybe he wasn't supposed to be so honest. I guess, by the time Oda actually reached the scene, the shadiness didn't suit his personality anymore.

In a way, Wano Law was the best written Law. His personality was fully ironed out, not just the revived rivalry with Luffy-Kidd but also a reluctance to be nice while time and time proving it's mostly just talks. It's a mix of his earlier personality traits and the later decided improvisations, bridged together by his 'tsundere' nature.

Does it all mean Law's relevance was just a service, and wasn't pivotal to Luffy's development? Not really. Because of Law, Luffy's intention behind going after Kaido wasn't just to save a country but to take steps towards becoming the pirate king. Law helped Luffy to become a better leader, a far more suitable candidate for the final race.

Edit: Here's a bit of extension of this theory.

[felixcloud6288]

Dungeon Meshi Chapter 66

We find out later this chapter that Thistle has memory issues. The Living Pictures in his house are probably there to help him remember everything important to him.

So the Island Lord was convinced to seal the dungeon after everything that happened. Ideally, the Canaries would be as uninvolved as possible, but Kabru and Mithrun falling down the pit made Pattadol decide to call reinforcements.

Since that hole is barely within the first floor and the first floor technically isn't part of the Golden Kingdom, Thistle probably doesn't have the power to fix the hole.

This elf is stunning.

Is this a Dark Elf? I love how Kui is using whites to show all the details on her. But she's still able to use black outlining to define her features as well. Who say's you can't draw black people in manga or anime? Anyone who genuinely believes that has a skill issue.

The ebony elf is a guard while the long-haired elf and the elf with the scar are criminals. I'd assume they are the criminals assigned to the ebony elf.

There are so many fun things going on in this panel.

Some of my favorite details:

Two elves are curious about Tade while another is scared

Hien is actually fairly tall and stands over several people in this shot

Namari is trying to pull Mr Tansu off the ebony elf while Kiki tries to diffuse the situation

Shuro does not like that he's been dragged into this situation

While Rin and Shuro were talking, Tade picked up and threw some of the elves and then got kicked in the head. Hien and that scarred elf kept staring each other down the whole time.

Good job Mr Tansu. You just killed the ebony elf, Shuro, and Rin. Also, I think Hien is still staring down that one elf even while her master falls to his death.

I'm so glad that all these plot threads are happening at the same time. It's hard to keep track of time in this series since there's no real day/night cycle.

That door doesn't match anything I've seen before (I think). I'm gonna guess it's the door up.

Fleki uses several different types of bird familiars and can even use several at once. She must be really good at multitasking.

Kabru's wrists have writing on them that looks similar to the spell that Izutsumi had.

The seal on Izutsumi summoned a hag from a star parking that doesn't seem to exist on Kabru. Marcille said Izutsumi's spell was a repurposed gnome spell. Maybe it was repurposed to bind a summoning spell to Izutsumi whereas the normal spell is used for general restraint. Kabru keeps his hands close to each other, so it's just magic handcuffs.

Pattadol also has that lip-biting nervous tic.

Scylla from Greek myth had a lower body of a sea serpent called a cetus. Dunmeshi instead gave it a wolf body.

Wouldn't it be funny if the Canaries encountered Giga Hepta-Head Marcille and Giga Double-Headed Flame-Ice Senshi earlier and that's why they show up in the visual about Laios's wish?

If the demon will eventually try to drive the dungeon lord above-ground, does that mean the Winged Lion wants to replace Thistle because Thistle stubbornly refuses to leave the dungeon? And this would also increase why Marcille would be an ideal dungeon lord since her wish necessitates expanding beyond the dungeon.

I hope we get more details about Utaya before this series ends. I want to know if the dungeon was a natural or artificial one, and if there might have been a dungeon lord and what their wish was. Also, I want to know about that part about the dead turning into monsters.

Mithrun has only one desire so he's easy to manipulate. It's easy to imagine him willingly eating, sleeping, and conserving his mana if you tell him it will let him beat the demon. I'd like to see Kabru tell Mithrun that he needs to poop if he wants to beat the demon.

It's always funny to cut back to the Touden party in a chapter with other groups in it. So many serious things are happening, and then we cut to what they're doing and they're running around trying to make curry.

Izutsumi always seems so excited to help out with the cooking. Remember how she perked up in chapter 36 when she thought Maizuru was going to task her with helping to cook something only to get mad when that didn't happen?

She was pretty focused and inquisitive while the party was making curry. Maybe she likes making things and performing simple, repetitive tasks that have clear end goals, and cooking happens to hit on that.

Where did they get that giant plate from?

That's a really cool use of Changelings. If Marcille's tonic works, then it would be possible to be immune to the spores and you could use them to transform different foodstocks. If safe utility methods are researched, they could greatly expand a restaurant's menu. Or maybe adventurers could use a changeling apparatus to vary their travelers rations.

Of course Laios's mental image of the Golden Country people include a minotaur and the minotaur has far more detail to it.

In Laios's defense, I would have done even worse at remembering Kabru's name if I was in his place. At least he has an accurate recollection about his face.

The scene on the first floor has escalated. Hien and that elf are now fighting each other, Kiki and Kaka are trying to drag the Tansu's away, and Benichidori is checking her makeup.

How did they get in this situation?

When the Winged Lion said it was going to restrain Thistle's power, I didn't know it meant by literally trying to restrain him and Falin.

Chilchuck looks like he's only pretending to celebrate. Meanwhile, Marcille is grabbing and lifting Izutsumi's hand in the air.

It's the raspberry thing all over again. The Red Dragon wants to show how much he cares about Thistle but Falin's personality is influencing how he expresses it.

The only time I can say Chimera Falin definitely spoke was at the end of chapter 36. There was that one moment in chapter 37 where she spoke to Laios, but I'm not sure if that was real or imagined. During the raid fight, she spoke incantations and managed to do one even after Kabru slit her throat.

I think her inability to speak is not because of Kabru slitting her throat. Instead, I think she was given some additional physical modifications after the fight and she lost her voice during them.

A lot of Thistle's memories with Delgal are them sharing food together. The Winged Lion took something from him that's made him who he is now, and I think it took Thistle's desire to share. And without that, Thistle's wish to protect his kingdom and its people was twisted into a desire to keep everyone and everything and see them as possessions.

And if his desire to share is gone, then Thistle cannot fathom the joy of sharing food and feeding people you care about. So maybe he took away the peoples' ability to enjoy food because feeding them became a hassle.

back

[la2yn0va]

DBD chapter concept: Darkly Dreaming.

New killer: Dexter Moser Morgan. AKA The Bay Harbor Butcher

Legendary Skin: Brian Moser

——

Weapon: A Ceramic Knife

Power: Dark Passenger

The dark passenger being a more active entity in the realm allows the butcher to find his prey more effectively. The dark passenger revels the location of any survivor interacting with an object for 2 seconds, and allows dexter to go completely undetectable, stalking and learning about his next victim.

Stalking: Dexter stalks similar to Ghostface. Completely undetectable.

Blood Slide: Once dexter hits a survivor, their blood is added to his collection. Hitting then grants dexter the ability to dash towards his victim once, or grant himself a 10% haste for 3 seconds.

Special Ability—Dark Passenger: Dexter can tap into his Dark Passenger, gaining enhanced speed and heightened awareness. This ability increases his movement speed for 15 seconds and allows him to see all survivors within a certain range, regardless of obstacles. Survivors who are affected by the Dark Passenger also suffer from the Obsession status effect. Dexter can only use this power when a survivor is marked as his Obsession.

Perks:

Im getting hungry again~ Time to hunt my dear driver!

The Hunt Begins: Dexter can track the actions of survivors for a limited time. Each time a survivor interacts with an objective, their aura is revealed to Dexter for 2/2.5/3 seconds, allowing him to plan his next move.

“Tonight’s the night” — Dexter Morgan

Don’t stop. NEVER stop! The hunger keeps growing, and you must KEEP GOING FOR ME.

Hex: Harry’s Code: The Hex Totem creates an aura that blocks all generator repairs within a 25/30/35 meter radius. While the Hex Totem is active, survivors who cleanse or bless the totem suffer from the Exposed status effect for 60/70/80 seconds. If the Hex Totem is cleansed or destroyed, all survivors suffer from the Exposed status effect for 60 seconds.

“You are a FUCKING. SERIAL KILLER!!" — Debra Morgan

We’re in heaven dear driver! There’s no one and nothing left to stop US!

Scourge Perk: Final Judgement: For every survivor you hook on a Scourge Hook, all survivors suffer from the Exhausted status effect for 20/25/30 seconds. Additionally, any survivor within 24 meters of a Scourge Hook will have their healing and repair speed reduced by 15/20/25%.

“Jesus Christ Morgan, YOURE the bar harbor butcher!” — James ‘Albert’ Doakes

Survivor: James Doakes

Perks

It’s not just from training. You can smell danger from miles away.

Military trained Instincts: When you are within 12/15/18 meters of a killer, you can hear their heartbeat and terror radius at an increased volume, giving you an early warning of their presence. You also gain a 5/6/7% increased vault speed for 8 seconds after hearing the killer’s terror radius begin.

“I know a predator when I see one… and you’re not getting the jump on me.” — James Doakes

Fear doesn’t get you anywhere. Only action does.

Not time to fear: After being unhooked, you gain the Unbreakable status effect for 15/20/25 seconds. During this time, you can recover at 50/75/100% faster speed. Additionally, after escaping the killer’s grasp, your speed is increased by 5/10/15% for 7 seconds.

“You think I’m scared of you? You don’t know shit about me.” — James Doakes

You’re always on the hunt. The only question is: Who Will you be the prey?

Surprise Motherfucker: After interacting with a generator, you gain the Haste status effect for 4/5/6 seconds, increasing your movement speed by 5%. This effect can only be triggered once every 30/25/20 seconds. Additionally, if you are in a chase and the killer loses sight of you for 3 seconds, the effect is extended for an additional 4 seconds, you will not leave behind scratch marks or make grunts of any kind for 10 seconds.

“I hunt. You hide. That’s the game, right?” — James Doakes

[11queensupreme11]

How did you find/make your aesthetic profiles of the gods in your book?

i was gonna link you to my guide that i posted a long time ago, but i realized how old it was and that it was lacking some details...... 💀

so i'm gonna do a new one that hopefully helps a bit more!!!!

websites used: pinterest, tumblr, canva, deviantart, & photopea!

first off, i find the pictures from sites like pinterest and tumblr. the color schemes of each pic need to be somewhat close to each other (but it doesn't always have to be like that depending on the psd you'll be using later on)

i'm gonna use hades for example. this is the first pic i find of him lol:

the most dominant color here is purple, with some tinted ivory from his skin, and brown in the background, so the next few pics i find should have somewhat similar colors too, or they should at least be purple cuz it's the most frequent color here

here are the next few photos i found:

they don't look perfect, but we can always individually tweak the colors and shades later

i download the photos and then i go to canva. the site provides you with templates that you can use but since i only got three pics, i chose the "email header" option.

(for those wondering which template i used for the bigger ones you see in the first chapter with percy and the yans, i don't use a template. i just use "custom size" and type in "800 x 800 px")

go to the sidebar, click "elements" then scroll down for "grids" and then find the one with 3 parts. i reduced the spacing between the photos to zero.

then i upload all 3 photos and put them in the squares. because they're not exactly the closest in color schemes, i individually edit them until i'm satisfied.

canva provides filters that you can use, but i always find it best to toggle with the adjustments like brightness, contrast, saturation, etc.

here's what i ended up with so far:

again, not exactly perfect, but whatever

now that i'm done, i go up to "share", select "download", and increase the size by 1.5 (that's 900 x 300 px). idk why, but for some reason, the quality looks better when you enlarge the size before download.

once that's done, i download the whole thing.

(keep the file type as "png" btw)

then i go over to photopea and upload my graphic. it'll look like this:

in another tab (not the photopea tab, but like... the actual tab of whatever browser ur using), i can find a bunch of psd colorings in deviantart. since i want one that's specifically purple, i just search up "psd coloring purple"

and i get all this:

i pick whichever one i think might look best and download it.

then i head back to photopea.

at the top, click on "file" and the new psd you just downloaded, and it'll show up in a new tab.

stay on that tab, go up to "layer" -> "layer into" and select the first tab where the graphic's at. this applies the psd coloring onto ur graphic.

over at the side, there's something called "opacity: ___%" you can toggle with that if the psd is too overwhelming, so you can lessen it by dragging it down if you need to.

once you're satisfied, click "file" -> "export as" -> "png" and it'll be downloaded.

and that's pretty much it!

THIS CAN BE A LONG PROCESS THOUGH! literally in every step, you might end up going back and changing stuff.

for example, i do not like the right photo that i selected. the purple is too bold compared to the purple shades in the left and center photo. i'd probably go aaaalll the way back to the earlier steps by returning to pinterest to find a better photo

or maybe you don't like the psd you picked. if that's the case, delete the photopea tabs and redo the above steps with a different psd.

it can be a bit annoying if ur the perfectionist type and have to go back again and again 😅

but anyway, psd coloring's are great. i'm looking back at the og versions of all the graphics i made (og as in, before i applied the psd colorings) and they're soooo different from the finished pieces

[heavens-secret]

My “Wheel of Fortune” Impressions:

So my first free spin gave me Dmitry, which was *perfection* 🧑🏼‍🍳💋

I decided to buy the 50 spins for $20 and test out the wheel to see if it’s worth the value. Because I’m impulsive as shit, I ended up getting another 10 spins for $5 - so basically I used up 55 spins. This is what I learned and the impressions I was left with:

1) I bought the ENTIRE Volume 1 collection for $25 WITH giftable duplicates included for each one, and that’s how it should be. Completely my fault for being impulsive, but I’m frankly pissed off that I spent the same amount to get only a FEW Volume 2 cards (which are beautiful, don’t get me wrong) + WITHOUT giftable duplicates. I’m hoping this is just the case for ���early release” and they’ll make the whole collection available for $25 soon, but it’s giving money hungry vibes I used to praise this app for avoiding when I ran away from similar story apps like Chapters, Choices etc. The appeal of RC has always been about this for me, as well as DR & how much they generally care about giving back to the readers & making the experience more affordable. I just hope they don’t stray from that.

2) DO NOT spend the 150 gems to “double your chances” of landing on a card. It is utter bullshit. I was dumb enough to fall for that twice throughout my 55 spins. This option promises to increase your chances for 3 spins, so that was 6 spins total that I didn’t get a single card. Just stupid treasures, a single diamond, or teacup. I got a decent amount of cards throughout my spins, but none with this option being “active.” Do not fall for the scam, keep your precious gems. That price is also just ridiculous for only 3 spins. Like, that’s a whole sex scene with Doran/Cain/Dmitry… It would be one thing if rare cards were guaranteed, but nah. Hell nah. Never doing that again. Very predatory that it’s there, costs that much, and is functionally useless.

3) I didn’t include them here, but I got some duplicates from the Volume 1 set in addition to these new hauls. I “broke” the ones that I already had at least 1 collected copy for. Keeping duplicates of collected copies is technically useless (because you can’t gift them, which you should be able to), but the breaking feature is seriously disappointing.

They say the amount of treasures you get is based on the rarity of the card, but I broke two fairly rare cards and got very little out of them. The ratios of what you put in:what it spits back out are atrocious. I recommend people don’t rush to break their collected duplicates just yet. Hopefully they fix the ratios in a future update. Otherwise, accumulating these treasures is going to be a drag and less people will be incentivized to do more than their basic free spins.

4) All that being said, the cards I did get are beautiful. The one with John was a pleasant surprise. And I respectfully don’t care if it’s AI, Mimi is breathtaking. No notes 🍸

[fullscoreshenanigans]

Hi🥰. I have this tpn theory for months now, so I would like to know what you think about it 🥰.

Could be 'Him' (Demon God) be a member of the Evil blood clan?

I was flicking through the pages of the Artbook because of the BTAD Zine and found these two pages next to each other.

This could be just a lucky placing of course, but I began to think. Mujika's and the One's design looks similar (or maybe I just overthink it lol)

But what if the royal demons made up the tradition of Tifari to get themselves more food?

They do look pretty similar with their horn placements! Though the demon god's always remain larger in proportion to his mask whereas hers are more dainty.

(Chapter 181 | 158 | 49 | 176 | 140)

They also have similar body shapes when he's in his preferred smaller child form.

(Mystic Code Book Chapter 5)

And while not directly related as parent and child, there's the aesthetics of having a singular god (even dubbed "The One" when they had to decide on a name when adapting the anime) and Mujika acting as a fairly solid parallel to Jesus. (Kei Toda gets into this more in her book, Reading The Promised Neverland with a British/American Literature Scholar, which can be found here.)

Shirai doesn't have any interest in divulging the demon god's origins prior to the original promise, so all we have to go on is this:

(Mystic Code Book Chapter 6 Q&A)

With another parallel of both being shunned due to being considered a threat to the greater social order of the demon world.

I'm of a similar mind to Shirai in that I don't think it's necessary to have a concrete origin for the demon god beyond his role as a profoundly powerful entity in the narrative that the demon aristocracy use as a means to justify their rule over the general populace. This extends to the arbitrary creation of Tifari, though why it falls on/around November 10th of the Gregorian calendar (introduced in 1582, roughly 500 years after the original promise, though the Julian calendar it modified was around since 45 BC) could have been due to other demon world customs or historical events besides it being the time of year the original promise was made. But if you wanted to expand upon these origins in a fanfic, all the more power to you.

But what if the royal demons made up the tradition of Tifari to get themselves more food?

They sort of did, depending on what you mean by get more.

(Chapter 142)

Again, Tifari is arbitrary in that the demon god doesn't actually need the highest grade meat for sustenance. He evolved beyond that centuries before the demon nobility find out about the evil blood. He just wants it because he knows it's what the demon king and later Legravalima covet the most, and under the monarchy they've established they'd normally be the ones receiving the best meat (by their metrics).

It's possible more offerings than what we see at the 2047 Tifari were demanded in the past and that surplus was siphoned off by the upper echelons.

(Chapter 146)

But for simplicity's sake, it's probably been the three highest grade since the beginning for how it mirrors the significance paid to the full score trio being the first time in Grace Field's recorded history there's ever been three children of that caliber at a house at the same time.

(Chapter 1 | 76 | 80 | 152 | 156 | 159)

There's also the three marks on the demon god's mask to keep the trinity/trio visuals going.

(Chapter 142)

So it didn't get them more food in the sense of increasing the amount of meat they hoarded for themselves. Like we see 700 years prior when the demon world was experiencing a famine, they would have finagled some reasoning for why they should have more to maintain their level of comfort and security.

(Chapter 147)

It did, however, continue to justify why they received the larger share of high quality meat. By ensconcing Tifari as a tradition and holding festivities for it every year to ostensibly appease The One that all the citizenry participates in, it legitimatizes their claim to rule and the system by which they maintain their authority, so it did get them more food in the sense of maintaining uncontested access as opposed to the citizens staging a mass uprising across the kingdom.

[ambers-archive]

who am i, darling to you?

༺ ✤ ༻⠀

chapter I. chapter ii. chapter iii. chapter iv. chapter v

you never believed in fate, you thought the idea was only a luxury to very few. but, there are moments when you find yourself reading some of your grandmother's stories. because you miss her cooking and the way she would braid your hair. and clinging to the words she used to tell you. "An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance."

Your grandmother always read folktales to you, and you vividly remember her oiling your hair as she recited stories which are now etched into your heart. 

She was a big believer in fate and destiny. 

Oftentimes you found yourselves late at night reading old Chinese folktales.  They were nice stories, but you don't believe in such things you had told her. 

Only in the quiet moments though, nestled in your shared room, you rediscovered the stories. 

Hunched between her dresser, re-reading some of the stories.

You don't believe in fate, the idea was only a luxury to very few. But, there are moments when you find yourself reading some of your grandmother's stories because you miss her cooking and the way she would braid your hair. And clinging to the words she used to tell you. 

"An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance."

You don’t know why this phrase surfaced now, amidst the memories of your grandmother's stories, as you absentmindedly played with the red strings of your bracelet in the room.

The conference room in the backdrop suddenly came to life, halting your memories to a stop. 

“Carmichaels, Parkers, and Bennetts—all madly in love, all mercilessly taken from each other." Garcia’s voice took you out of your trance, “they were all found, dead inside their hotel rooms just weeks into their honeymoon.” 

Images of crime scenes and the couples getaway flickered on the screens. Once people and smiles behind the pictures are now just empty vessels. 

"Our unsub has a perverted romanticism. He goes through a careful selection process rather than just picking victims at random. These couples stand for something he wants but is unable to obtain. it's mainly honeymooners, but the Parkers were on their second honeymoon after five years of marriage.” Garcia explained. 

They were all beautiful women, and you felt a shudder run down your spine. 

Eyes boring back into yours, it wasn’t anything super obvious only visible when you stared too long. The dusted freckles, asymmetrical lips, and the similar almond eyes peering back into yours. 

A disconcerting mirror

"Are you okay?” Hotch whispered next to you. His steady voice breaks the whispered noise in your head. Nodding you turn to face him, your eyes tracing the lines of his face—the sharp angles, the subtle furrow of his brow, and his beautiful eyes. And as quickly as those feelings came up, you pushed them down, burying them. 

He’s your boss. 

"I'm fine. It's just…” 

"We'll catch this unsub, and we'll keep everyone safe.” He said, reaching over to shut your case file, and just for a minute you can feel his band brush against yours. 

Just a ghost of affection but you feel it in your heart, hands, stomach, everywhere. 

"Statistically, honeymoon periods are marked by increased serotonin levels, lower stress, and overall happiness. It's an emotionally charged time for couples. Maybe our unsub wanted to disrupt this happiness." Reid added. 

"Garcia, what do we know about the killer's MO? Any specific weapons? Did he keep the victims hostage?" Hotch's voice louder cut through the unspoken tension between you two.

"Our unsub is methodical, almost surgical. No signs of struggle at the crime scenes, which suggests he's either catching them off guard or he has a significant physical advantage. As for weapons, no firearms used. It's more personal—strangulation in some cases, others show signs of asphyxiation, drowning perhaps." She offered. 

"The absence of firearms indicates a desire for close contact, personal involvement in the act. It could be an attempt to exert dominance or control over the victims." Reid emphasized. 

"Any signs of sexual assault? A crime of passion or something more sinister?" JJ, pondered. 

The room fell silent, the images on the screen reflecting the collective gravity of the situation. Reid turned to you, "You specialize in this area. Were the women assaulted? Is there a signature type of killing here?"

You took a moment to gather your thoughts before responding, “We need to look for patterns—specific methods, post-mortem mutilation, or any consistent elements that could indicate a signature. One more thing I noticed. Take a closer look here," you directed, your finger tracing over the intricate marks etched into the victims' lower abdomen.

The marks were a series of precise cuts, forming patterns and odd  shapes. "Each one of these victims has that mark.” Morgan added

"These symbols," you continued voice steady, "are strategically placed. They're not random, but deliberate. The lower abdomen is a vulnerable area, and the unsub is exploiting that vulnerability, asserting dominance in the most invasive way possible."

"What can we learn from this language?” Hotch asked

"It's a power play," you replied. "The unsub wants these women to know they're at his mercy, that he holds the reins of their fate. It's not just about the act of killing; it's about asserting dominance, ensuring his victims suffer every step of the way."

Hotch's expression hardened, cloud taking over his eyes. "We need to catch this guy before he can leave more marks. Continue the briefing on the plane. I want everyone fully informed. Wheels up in 30.” He finished, gathering his case files, but not without a glance at you. 

Normally hidden, his eyes now had vulnerability.

The power he had over you, a fleeting glance made you shiver.

And even though it lasted only a split second, it felt endless.

[bluestar22x]

Finding Eden: Chapter 8

Summary: Things get complicated as you and Zach near Alaska

Pairing: Zach Wellison x F!Reader

Rating: 18+

Warnings: Worried!Zach, angst, fluff, brief mention of vomiting, some warnings withheld due to *spoilers (message me if you have any concerns).

Word Count: 3,430(ish)

Author’s Note: I wonder how subtitle my hints were

xxx

You brushed it off at first.

A nagging feeling at the back of your mind that there was something, not wrong necessarily, but off about you.

It was similar to how you could sense the onset of a cold or your period before any clear-cut evidence of it, even though you no longer could track it with a calendar.

At first it was easy to shake off. You felt fine otherwise; days had passed and nothing had developed. Maybe you were just imagining it for whatever reason. Sometimes your senses failed you; it wasn't new.

But then as spring neared its end, you opened up Zach's journal to check what the approximate date was, and realized that you hadn't had your period for nearly two whole months, an entirely foreign and perplexing concept to you.

Ever since you'd gotten your first period it had always been on time, every month, without fail, even after the apocalypse left you in the survival scenario that was your current life.

It only took you a minute to make the easy, most obvious but equally dreaded assumption. You were pregnant. You had to be. It was the only conclusion that made it make sense, and the odds of it happening hadn't exactly been slight. You and Zach had made an attempt at playing safe, but expired condoms and the pull out method weren't exactly dependable ways of preventing pregnancy.

Despite knowing all this, you kept it to yourself for a while, denial keeping your lips sealed. You didn't have any symptoms yet, therefore you had enough reason to doubt it in your book, and it wasn't like you could take a test that would definitively tell you if you were or not. Even if you could find one, it would be expired and entirely unreliable.

Then you started to notice you were getting dizzy and out of breath more easily as you traversed the uneven terrain in the thick of the forest; the increased queasiness when you smelled a fowl odor, especially a skunk.

It became much harder to deny it after that, especially when you were feeling bloated some days, like you had your period, but there were no other signs of it. Another month gone and not a speck of blood.

You knew you had to tell Zach, it was the only logical thing to do, but you were afraid. Afraid of what his reaction might be and afraid of speaking it into reality.

Not because you hated the idea of being pregnant, but because you felt irresponsible considering the state of the world, scared too. Not only was birth considerably more dangerous than it was before World War 3, it was also more difficult to protect a kid, let alone a baby, from the violence in the post war world.

More than ever before you clung to the idea of Eden. Maybe they still had a proper hospital. Maybe the town or city was as safe as the world had been before everyone turned on each other. Maybe there was hope for you both.

Both. That thought startled you. You were already using that word not only to refer to you and Zach, but to you and the baby growing inside you as well.

It felt too soon, but right at the same time, because in "normal" circumstances you knew you'd have been ecstatic about getting that positive sign on a test, even this early on in your relationship with Zach.

You'd wanted to be a mother someday, before the world went to hell, and you loved Zach with every fiber of your being. You would have been floored at the idea of having that love manifested in a little person with equal parts of you and him in them before everything changed.

A part of you still was. Whether or not it was selfish, you knew you wouldn't change your predicament even if you could, even if you came across a poisonous plant that could naturally end the pregnancy. You couldn't bear the idea of taking that option, whether it would be considered a mercy or not by others.

Besides, women were having babies long before modern civilization and medicine. Before laws and houses. It was a part of life, wasn't it? Were you supposed to stop living?

You asked yourself these questions for days as you trailed Zach and Athena, road signs pointing out that you were closing in on Alaska. Eden was so near, yet still so far away, the mountainous terrain slowing you and Zach down.

It was on a bright and sunny June morning that you gathered the courage to tell him, your eyes fixed on the space between his broad shoulders.

"Zach," you called out hesitantly, just barely loud enough for him to hear.

"Hmmm?"

"Zach," you repeated more loudly.

He turned on his heels to face you. "What's wrong?"

The concern in his eyes, the fact that he could tell by your tone of voice alone that something was up, made your stomach flutter.

"I..I..," you began, stumbling and desperate for the words to come to you. You sucked in a deep breath and released it in a slow, calm manner, trying to control your nerves, then said what needed to be said. "Zach, I think I'm pregnant."

His reaction was not unlike your initial one, an instantaneous fear locking his body into place.

"Are you sure?"

You nodded solemnly. "I've missed more than one period and I've been having some mild signs. Occasional dizziness, queasiness, etc. The works. Though I've only thrown up that one time when the skunk smell was particularly strong."

You paused before continuing, "This might sound weird, but I knew something was different even before all that. I just couldn't put my finger on it. So when I started noticing signs it all clicked."

Zach swallowed hard and closed the gap between you, taking your hands in his gently. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm okay," you assured him. "I haven't felt too bad, and it's not like this is a total shock. I knew this could happen with the lack of access to protection that we've had. I was just hoping we'd reach Eden before I had to worry about it."

Zach gave you a guilty look and you narrowed your eyes at him. "Don't go thinking this is your fault. Remember, it takes two."

He huffed at that.

"I am worried, though," you continued. "I'm worried about myself and the baby. If they'll be healthy. And if you're going to be alright."

"Me?" He gaped at you in disbelief. "You don't have to worry about me."

"I was just concerned that you'd freak out or something," you explained, "Cause this is big. And it's not a great time to have a kid; it hasn't been since the bombs..."

"How do you feel about it?" he inquired, meeting your eyes. "Having a kid?"

You bit your lip hard. "I'm scared," you replied honestly, breath shaky, "But I also have this like...overwhelming warmth in my chest. It's hard to explain it. But because of it, I know I want this. Our baby. I never thought this would happen after the war. I thought my life was over. That I'd just wander around until someone or something killed me before my hair got to turn gray. Then I met you, and you changed that. I wouldn't want to lose you or this. It's worth the risk."

Zach nodded and you squeezed his hands. "What about you?"

He sighed and pulled one hand away from you to run his fingers through his hair. "I don't know. It's a lot. But we'll manage."

You deflated at that word, managed, devastated that he didn't feel the same as you, but then Zach cradled your face in his hands, having noticed your crestfallen expression. "Not just manage. I have mixed feelings, but they aren't all negative, I promise. Maybe they would've been if I hadn't met Athena's owner but Micah, he talked a lot while he was dying. Most of it was babble, the last words of a dying man losing his mind to toxins and pain and all that, but he said something that stuck with me."

You met his eyes as he continued, "He said keep hope alive, because what's the point of life without it? He said it because while he had never given up hope until the very end, he knew I was teetering close to it and that his death might stomp it out. It was his way of encouraging me to keep going."

"Eden's my hope," you told him, "And you. And now this baby. I have hope we can make it."

You felt tears welling in your eyes and Zach, ever observant, bundled you up in his arms and pressed his cheek against yours. "I do too."

He stroked your back soothingly with his strong hands and kissed your temple and it was exactly what you needed to calm your nerves. You always felt safe in his arms; ready to take on the world beside him.

You could do this. You and Zach. Come what may.

x

That night Zach laid wide awake in his sleeping bag, his thoughts running too wildly to allow drowsiness to win out.

Pregnant. You were pregnant. He was going to be a father.

The weight of that reality was like a boulder sitting on his chest. He'd never really considered what being a father would be like before; it had never been in the cards, especially after the war, which applied to both the one he'd fought in and the one that had ended civilization as he knew it. He'd never been in the right headspace, the right place, and by the time he was getting somewhere, the world had gone to hell.

A kid would be a huge responsibility, more so than ever before. And if anything went wrong with the pregnancy, especially while out in these woods, he'd be too clueless to help you. He didn't know anything about this shit, and he couldn't protect you from the risks.

He'd been reckless with you, he thought. You seemed convinced you'd both done all you could in the given circumstances, but he wasn't.

As guilty as he felt though, he couldn't imagine wishing for it to all go away. Those intimate moments, and the look in your eyes when you said you wouldn't want to lose him or the baby.

He rolled onto his side to study you as you slept soundly next to him, Athena's head resting on your knees, your chest rising and falling steadily, your arm slung over your middle.

The sight of it made him smile, and he felt what he figured you'd been describing earlier. Warmth. His chest tight but in a good way. Like it was full.

He was certain then that he wanted the baby too. Wanted a family with you. It didn't take away the concerns he had and would continue to have for your safety, but it could share the same space, couldn't it?

And while he couldn't protect you from everything, he could make sure you were taken care of. Protected from outside threats.

That would have to be enough.

x

Zach woke up the next morning to you rushing to open the tent, and it didn't take someone with half a brain cell to figure out why considering the way you were holding your hand to your mouth.

He followed you outside, but he didn't have to go far since you'd barely managed to take a few steps from the tent before you knelt and vomited into the grass. He held you by the shoulders and rubbed your upper back as you heaved bile up, waiting quietly for you to finish, unsure of what else to do.

When he was certain you were done, he helped you get onto your feet again and handed you your metal water bottle. "You alright?"

"Yeah, I'm good now," you answered, taking a sip before pursing your lips in thought. "I don't know what set me off. I was fine at first. I was awake the last half hour and then suddenly, there she blows."

Zach snorted at that. He wondered if you knew how unintentionally funny you could be. "There probably doesn't need to be a particular reason right now," he figured, letting his expression go soft.

You let him pull you against him, back to his chest, and slip one of his hands under your shirt to place it over your still soft belly, firmly but gently. Judging by the way you relaxed, he guessed that the warmth of his palm was alleviating at least some of the ache, as he'd hoped it would. He couldn't help but feel a little proud for thinking of it.

Add that to the 'I'm not completely useless list'.

"True," you said with a sigh as you leaned back against his solid frame.

It was amusing to him that your reply could've been to his inner thoughts just as likely as his previous spoken words if he hadn't been certain he'd kept them to himself.

The smile tugging at the corner of his mouth quickly dissipated though as he thought about what was ahead. Would traversing mountainous terrain be too much for you in your condition? What if you got really sick? He wasn't sure he wanted to take the chance of anything happening to you out on the trail. At least the cabin was a relatively safe space compared to the tent. At least you could rest there.

"Maybe we should head back to the cabin," he said aloud. "I'm sure there's food there in the summer. Berries. The deer probably travel back up in the spring too."

"What?" You turned to face him, confused. "Why would we go all the way back there?"

"The terrain's getting rougher each day," he explained. "Maybe it would be better to wait until after the baby comes to hike it."

"And who exactly is going to help deliver the baby at the cabin?" you asked. "Cause neither of us is gonna know what the hell we're doing. What if we do something that harms them by mistake? I'd rather get to Eden, find their nearest doctor, then give birth."

Rationally, Zach knew you were right, and it wasn't like he was thrilled at the prospect of having to deliver his own child, but he still couldn't resist stopping you when you tried to reenter the tent.

"I'm just worried it'll be too much," he admitted. "I don't want you to get hurt."

The edges of your lips quirked up at his words, at the care he was expressing, and you splayed a hand out against his chest. "Zach, I'll be okay. I'll be more careful. But me being pregnant is all the more reason to keep going."

He chewed on his lip. Yes, the safest thing for you and the baby would be to reach Eden, but that didn't mean he had to like it.

"Alright, but whenever you need a break, even if it's only been a half hour or whatever, tell me," he ordered.

With a small smile plastered on your face, you nodded. "I promise."

He met your eyes and released you upon seeing the sincerity in them. "Alright, then. Let's get packing."

He helped you take down camp and after a quick breakfast, you headed back out on the trail.

x

You stuck near fields as much as possible as you progressed north, taking every opportunity you could to eat dandelions and blueberries as you waded through them.

You started studying the edible plant book you'd brought from the library, wanting to know which ones were not only safe for you, but for the baby as well, because unfortunately, it was not one and the same. There were several edible plants you had to pass up in fear of them harming the baby or worst.

It was far from an ideal situation to be in, but Zach always made sure you ended the day with a full stomach, forgoing the tasty blueberries if there wasn't enough for you both to share and instead eating the less flavorful plants.

You hated that he had to do it, but to him it was a small sacrifice, not worth noting. You noted it anyway, your chest warming every time he passed over the berries for some plant like clover, all the while trying to play it off as him wanting to try something different to eat. He couldn't fool you.

Zach was a lot more touchy and gentle with you after finding out you were pregnant, and that was endearing as well, even though you sometimes had to remind him you weren't suddenly made of glass.

Such was the case when you stumbled onto a lake about a week and a half later.

"You going to be alright while I fish?" he inquired and you laughed.

"I'm pregnant, not helpless," you answered, plopping down on a smooth rock big enough for you to sit comfortably on.

He chuckled and kissed your forehead. "I'm sorry, I can't help it."

"I know, papa bear," you said, "And I love you for it. Just...get out there. Hook something. Ideally a non-predatory fish."

Zach's eyebrows furrowed. "Non-predatory?"

"Salmon, catfish, trout," you added, ticking them off on your fingers. "Bass and carp are less ideal, but still alright."

"Predatory fish aren't safe for the baby?"

You shook your head. "Too much mercury. Every time a fish eats another fish the levels of mercury in them spike. It's like getting a double dose."

"How do you know this?" he questioned. "I always thought that was an ocean thing. Tuna specifically."

"It's a freshwater thing too, unfortunately," you said. "Apparently mercury is everywhere. I only know that because my father and I fished a lot and the summer when my mother was pregnant with my brother he made me release all the carnivorous fish. I was nine years old, so of course I asked why."

Zach frowned at you. "You never mentioned you had a brother."

You tensed and sucked in a deep breath. "It never came up. And maybe I was trying not to think of him too much."

"Why?"

You swallowed hard and kicked at rocks by your feet. "Carter and I were close, even though he was almost a decade younger than me. He had some learning challenges and I became his tutor early on his life, before I left for college. My parents would've needed to hire someone otherwise, something they couldn't afford. I didn't mind it though. I was one of those freaks who liked school."

Zach smirked. "No comment."

"Shut up."

His smile faded after a few moments. "What happened to him?"

You shrugged. "I don't know for sure. But he was in Washington D.C. when the bomb dropped and I never heard from him again. So odds are..." You paused as your breathe caught, as tears threatened to fall from your eyes.

Carter, sweet Carter, he'd deserved so much more time.

"I'm sorry," Zach said, taking one of your hands in his and tracing little circles into your palm to distract you.

You swiped at the tears as they began to spill over with the back of your free hand. "It's okay. I'm okay. In a way, it would be nice to talk about him again."

"I'm all ears, whenever you want to," Zach offered.

"Would you listen while fishing?"

"Of course."

So for the next hour as Zach fished you talked about your brother. Everything from the way he used to follow you around like a puppy when he was little, annoying you with endless questions, to him taking his trip to Washington D.C., wanting to see it before he became a lawyer. Hoping someday, maybe, he'd help change the government for the better by helping prevent the politicians from being above the law.

Zach had caught three fish - a trout and two carp by the time you finished talking and was in the middle of cooking them over the fire he'd built.

"I'll take one of the carp, you can have the rest," he declared.

You shook your head. "Take both carp. Share the second with Athena. The trout's big enough for me."

"You sure?"

You nodded. "Yes. Besides, the trout is the safest option, and just cause I'm pregnant doesn't mean I literally have to eat for two. It'll fill me up plenty, I promise."

A few more minutes and you were devouring the thoroughly cooked trout, more hungry than you thought you were until you tasted it, but you still couldn't finish the twenty-something inch long fish and ended up chucking some at Athena to catch and clean up.

It felt good to be stuffed for once, and to eat something else besides blueberries and the bitter leaves of the other edible plants you'd found along the way.

You laid down on the ground after, your head propped against Zach's thigh as fatigue set in. You cradled your belly automatically, almost protectively, and let yourself drift into unconscious.

Zach didn't move until you stirred over an hour later.

xxx

Tagged: @musings-of-a-rose @harriedandharassed @love-affair-with-fandoms @captain-jebi @copperhalfcent

xxx

Series Masterlist

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[writerofadream]

Fortune favors the Bold ⛓

TDI!Duncan x Juvie Bestfriend! Reader ⛓

Chapter Twenty Three: Yes, I'd like to purchase one racoon mom. Yes, her name is Lily.

You laughed behind your palm as you watched Owen try to reconcile with Izzy, for some reason with wildflowers.

 Since you and Izzy had very similar personalities, you knew exactly what you would want in her situation. Probably bullets, a better gun, some knives, a bow and an arrow. You watched as Owen tried to step in front of her and walked straight onto a trap.

“Whatcha laughing at?” Duncan came out of the cabin, his arms slithering around you as he covered your neck in kisses.

“Well I think maybe we will have a different lifetime.” You said, matter-of-factly. Duncan smiled, before grabbing your hand and dragging you over to them. Everyone else quickly followed in pursuit.

But the second you were all gathered around the swinging Owen, you heard a snap and a cage fell on top of you all. 

“Good morning, campers! Or should I say trappers?” Chris appeared with a beaver on his head.

But you were focused on the expression Duncan had, he was staring at the bars that surrounded you all, and you sighed, sneaking both hands into his. His eyes finally fell onto you, and he smiled. “I know.” You mouthed and he nodded sadly. 

“Okay let’s talk about the challenge over chow.” Chris walked off holding a knife and the beaver. 

“Is he gonna cut us down?” Owen asked, his face turning red, but with nearly expert precision, Chris snapped the rope and the door to your cage opened.

Duncan was the first one out, letting out a large breath once he stepped out. “I think we should rotate it into nicotine gum instead of the patches. The patches just increase everything that is bad for me.” Duncan muttered as you began the trek to the cafeteria.

“Alright, I’ll try to see if, Chef is willing to buy me some.” You smiled, today will be Duncan's second week off the cigarettes. “I mean of course he will, who could resist that face.” Duncan rained down kisses upon your face causing you to let out a giggle much to his surprise.

You watched as Duncan tried to eat the paste, and stifled a laugh, he glared at you sticking his tongue out as well. “Isn’t this the stuff you use to keep your hair straight?” You teased and he smirked, flipping you off discreetly causing you to roll your eyes.

“Alright campers, there's eight of you left so look alive.” Chris advised, seemingly juggling the paste-balls. “God, I would kill for your moms cooking.” Duncan grumbled spitting the paste back into the bowl much to your disgust.

“Well, I’d kill for my mom to be alive so it’s clear that neither of us are killing the right people.” 

Gwen spit out her drink. “That’s dark.” She laughed, mildly concerned. “Why thank you.” You winked, causing the girl to blush. 

—

“Hm, my chances of winning? I honestly don’t care if I win. The less time I’m here, the more time I’m away from that ****ing **** eater, Chris ‘let’s make girls ******* terrified because I’m a ****** pervert.’ McLean.” You leaned back on the outhouse bench with a satisfied smirk. 

__

“You’ll each have eight hours to trap an animal.” Chris declared. Duncan snatched Owen’s wrist. “Got one.” He yelled. “A wild animal,” Chris said, sending the raven-haired boy an ‘are you stupid?’ glare.

“Got one.” Duncan yelled again, snatching your wrist. You slowly turned to look at him with a mildly amused expression. “I’m going to sew your **** to your head.” You smiled and Duncan gave you a cheeky grin, kissing your cheek and getting your hand down.

“The reward is a meal of your favorite foods.” Chris smiled wide, gesturing to the tables. “Honey, I love you and all, but I’m so hungry.” Duncan groaned. You rolled your eyes and ruffled his hair trying to hide the fact that the last time you ate was about four days ago. 

—-

Chris gathered you around the boat-room-dock thing and had you all pick out names from a hat. Duncan rolled his eyes once he got a raccoon, you burst out laughing when you saw that you got a lynx. “How long till he realizes that we went to WSS?” Duncan whispered in your ear. “Probably the same time he realizes I hate him.” Duncan shrugged, nodding in agreement.

Chris herded you all into the boat-room-thing and gave you sixty seconds to find the supplies you needed. 

Duncan picked up a chainsaw, and you crossed your arms. “I worry what goes on through your mind.” You sighed, shaking your head softly. Duncan smiled, “Personally I think this’ll be a great raccoon catcher.” You laughed rolling your eyes and standing on your tiptoes to peck his lips. “Mhm.” You decided to just nod and smile.

You picked up a bucket of bunny carcasses, and a beaver pelt. “Let’s go.” Duncan quietly grabbed your hips and led you out of the room, narrowly avoiding wrestling Heather and Gwen.

Chris called out “Times up.” And you all stepped back out onto the dock. “Go now, young padawans, proud you make me.” Chris said in his best imitation of Yoda. “I think next time we should just stay in juvie.” You grumbled stepping past the man.

“Meet me back on docks in twenty minutes.” Duncan nearly ordered you causing a blush to redden your cheeks. “You underestimate your abilities, baby. You were catching raccoons when we were five.” You smiled before running off.

—

Finding the lynx was easy enough. You got deep into the woods, near the snowy mountains and laid the beaver pelt down before laying the bunnies in it, before making a bunny beaver burrito.

You scaled the nearest tree hiding in a particularly busy spot before you waited for your prey. It may have been twenty seconds, or twenty minutes when the lynx finally appeared.

The beautiful creature sniffed the food for a moment before it put out a paw to touch it. The cat hissed when the burrito unfolded showing the bunnies. 

But it quickly delved in, shoving its face into the meal and eating all of them in near moments. Now this was the fun part. You watched as the lynx let the meal digest, then the lynx got really tired and began swaying on its feet. You took a picture on your phone and sent it to Duncan

—

Me: look what I got {picture attached}

Tiger 💚: so many raccoons why the **** are there so many raccoons on this god forsaken island what the **** ***** **** ** shdbns&:?: &@

Me: .. Duncan?

Tiger 💚: {video attached: Duncan screaming ‘I love you, honestly I’d love to marry you but I might die from these raccoons’ the camera points up and you see a giant raccoon monster}

Me: oh..? Cute??

Tiger 💚: {Picture attached: Duncan is smiling like an idiot and making a heart symbol with the racoon on his head} love you, everything’s good now <3

Me: :) love you 2 baby ♥️

—

It then promptly passed out, deep in a food coma. You smiled to yourself and jumped out of the tree. The lynx had consumed twenty four bunnies in meme moments, it was gonna be out for a day at least.

You slowly creeped toward the sleeping creature and bent to your knees, snatching the knife out of your side pocket, striping the beaver pelt of the rope that lined it. 

You tied the lynx’s front and back paws and threw it over your shoulders and began your run to the boat-dock which you were happy to see Duncan sitting, scratched up but happily waiting for you.

He held the raccoon in his lap and was taking about a million photos with it. Duncan waved excitedly to you. “Her name is Lily.” The racoon almost waved at you. 

“Duncan I love you, I love you a lot, but why did you name a raccoon after my mom?” Duncan smiled once you asked that question.

“Because she freaked out when I was showing her my homescreen.” Duncan laughed, holding the racoon tight. “Can I keep her?” You laughed as you stared at your stupidly adorable boyfriend. “Of course, Tiger. Of course.” You watched as the racoon made grabby hands at you.

“Let your racoon mom hold you.” Duncan shoved the animal in your hands and you stifled a laugh. “Of course, baby.”

So that’s where you both sat, holding your animals and talking, and petting the new animals and watching the sunset on Camp Wawanakwa.

Is this a good time to mention that Duncan wants to marry you? 

--

|Trending on X right now|

#i’dpayforonscreenmarriage

#duncanpropose

#theyvebeendating4weeksguyscalmdown

#thewayduncantalksabouther

#racoonmon

--

tagged: @lostsomewhereinthegarden

[kayeonandherbunny]

Ozzie and Fizz adopt a abused human child. and they going to shoping.

chapter 3

It's been great for a while, but I having to get off soon from fizz's arms. because I had to try my new clothes on.

It was Fizz who said my clothes got shorter. I don't feel a difference so much. but Fizz and Ozzy often react big time to little things. They're amazed, amazed, and delighted as if I did something great. Ozzy wondered if all babies grow this fast, and Fizz said it was all thanks to the good food Ozzy was making. And he announced that we would go to buy a new clothes for the upcoming holiday.

Dressing isn't that much fun, but it's not that hard. It's even more so if it's make Fizz happy. For me, the clothes in the store all looked similar, but Fizz has been pondering which one is better. he looked very happy while he choice dress. he ended up buying everything.

"Princess, look here! Raise your head a little. Good. now Pose for me!"

While I was dressed like a model, fizz kept getting messages. It's got to be Ozzie. Fizz is taking pictures of me every time I get new dressed. There are endless pictures of me on the screen that Fizz showed me, and words like 'Awwww' and 'Baby, you are so lovely' keep on increasing underneath them.

-Every picture looks good. I can't choice only one

-That's why I bought every dress. :P

-Exelant choice, honey!

I know I'm not pretty, but I know fizz and ozz thinks I'm pretty. they think me a most pretty baby in the world. they can't stop paying attention for me, admiring and praising each and every one of my actions, they not make a mock me or making fun of me. they always just very seriously said they love me.

I'm sure Fizz and Ozz is wrong. Because my real dad always said his daughter is very ugly. my real dad always said to me 'right things'. but I like when Fizz and Ozz say to me 'wrong thing'. I feel loved.

Ozzy told to fizz never spare to money to buy anything we needed, and Fizzy really didn't spare. It's really many shoping bags. If it were just the two of us, we wouldn't have been able to lift it every bags. but today we're with our bodyguards, so no matter how many bags we get, there's no problem.

Actually, Ozzy would have liked to go with us. But Ozzy didn't say that, and neither did I. Because that's not allowed. At our home, I'm Fizzy's and Ozzy's child. but outside the house, I have to be only Fizzy's. because It's a secret to everyone that they two love each other.

to be exact, it is Not a "secret for everyone". because I know the true. But I never go around telling somone's secret. Even more so if it's the secret of a loved one.

while I was determined, a girl with horns licking her ice cream. She must have bought it from a nearby store. It looks delicious.

Fizz seemed to have shifted his attention to adult clothes this time, but he looked at me as soon as when I pulled his sleeves.

"Can I buy a ice cream?"

"Of course. but You have to stay close your bodyguard."

Fizz doesn't like going around with bodyguards, but I think it's good. Like this, we can do whatever we want. I can enjoy my ice cream while Fizz picks his clothes and enjoys them. Hmm. Maybe I can have waffles, too. Ozzy doesn't like to snack before meals, but fizz does. So Ozz said us "You guys can't eat too much snacks." Later, when we gets home, he'll ask us, "you didn't eat too much snacks, right?" But we'll keep the our secret because we love each other.

At the ice cream parlour, there was a short line of Imp kids. When I approached them, they all turned to look at me. The boy in front of me stared at me with a look he wanted say to me bad thing, but when my bodyguard behind me coughed, he shut up. and nothing happened until it was my turn. it's very good to be with the bodyguard. bacause I can only focus on important issues like a choose what ice cream.

After thinking about it until all the kids left, I ordered Ice cream. It's taste of green tea, pistachio almonds, and shooting stars. I think blue is the tastier to ice cream. Blue is a feathery color of Ozz.

My bodyguard said she didn't need ice cream. so We left the ice cream parlor, and settled on a bench next to the indoor playground. I will going back to Fizz after I finish my Ice cream. I watching the kids play playground. they looks fun but I don't want go to playground. because children always hate me. I thought about that while licking the ice cream. I liked the feeling of popping candy hitting my tongue and popping.

It's from there that the incident happened.

I heard a loud noise from the cafe. the man in black rushed over. I don't know what happened next. I just know that the bodyguard was pulling me into her arms. I only saw her clothes and the floor before my eyes, and I heard the sound of fireworks going off. Maybe it's a gun.

"Look lady, its not my fault if you only know how to make coffe that tastes like piss!"

When my bodyguard let me go, I heard someone screaming like that. White stained red skin, black suit. Big horn. Wow. He looks just like Hollywood star, Brendon Rasers.

It's rude to stare at people, but I keep staring his face. because the face on the movie is in front of me. like people always looking at Fizz. But that guy wasn't as cool as Fizz.

"Hey, Kid. why are you looking at me?"

As soon as our eyes met, he turned towards me and saying that. Blue ice cream flowed over his messy black suit. Blue. Green. And popping candy and pistachios.

I checked my hand. It still has an ice cream cone in it. I mean, not a Ice cream but only cone.